tag:,2016:blogdestructoidhttp://bulk2.destructoid.com/ele2/images/destructoid/favicon.ico2016-11-28T11:30:00Ztag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=401016Jonathan Holmeshttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jonathan+HolmesOur Video Game Book Holiday Gift Guide 20162016-11-28T11:30:00Z2016-11-28T11:30:00Z<p><iframe width="620" height="376" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bv6tmRkhJhI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>Print media about video games is on the rise again, so we had a lot of options to work with this year for a book-specific gift guide. No need to focus on <a href="https://www.destructoid.com/the-nintendo-in-print-holiday-gift-guide-322553.phtml">just one publisher anymore</a>. In fact, it's arguable that we have too much material to work with this year. That's also why books that we've previously covered, like <em><a href="https://www.destructoid.com/ridiculous-fishing-undertale-owlboy-developers-unite-for-a-new-book-400238.phtml" target="_blank">A&nbsp;Profound Waste of Time</a></em>, <a href="https://www.destructoid.com/review-super-mario-adventures-392314.phtml"><em>Super Mario&nbsp;</em><i>Adventures</i></a>, and <em><a href="https://www.destructoid.com/the-diablo-book-of-tyrael-and-cain-are-great-companions-for-diehards-399754.phtml" target="_blank">Diablo III: Book of Tyrael/Diablo III: Book of Cain</a></em>, won't be explicitly included in the list below. This darn thing is already big enough as it is!&nbsp;</p>
<p>We have quite a few entries here that are on sale through Monday, Nov. 28th though, so best give it a browse now before you miss out on some glorious psuedo-holiday savings.&nbsp;</p>
<p>And away we go!&nbsp;</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/401016-LOLBANNER2.jpg" alt="Our Video Game Book Holiday Gift Guide 2016 screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/our-video-game-book-holiday-gift-guide-2016-401016.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=386956Steven Hansenhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Steven+HansenWhy'd EarthBound bomb? Well, critics at the time didn't help...2016-09-14T18:15:00Z2016-09-14T18:15:00Z<p>If Metacritic had existed when <em>EarthBound</em> launched in 1995, the cult-classic RPG would be rocking a 72%. Over at <a target="_blank" href="https://gamepreservation.tumblr.com/post/150411590134/every-earthbound-review">The Video Game Preservation Dump</a>, <span class="ProfileHeaderCard-nameLink u-textInheritColor js-nav">Frank Cifaldi</span> scanned every timely review, "to try and figure out why it failed." The <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/frankcifaldi/status/776150423618990080">last ditch effort marketing</a> might've helped.</p>
<p>"The biggest takeaway I get, slapping all these magazines on my desk and reading them back-to-back, is just how <i>completely offended</i> the critics were by the game's art direction," Cifaldi notes. "The 'infantile graphics' made VideoGames' Geoff Higgins 'want to gag,' apparently. EGM's John Gurka 'laughed out loud' when he first saw the game, while GameFan capsule reviewer Skid's initial impression was 'no way! These graphics are just to [sic] fruity.'&nbsp; Not one reviewer seemed to like the art direction, though some - particularly at GameFan - were able to power through it and enjoy the game underneath."</p>
<p>As Cifaldi notes, <em>EarthBound</em> came out around a time where role-playing games were closely linked to the "serious" fantasy aesthetic, while the recently released Saturn and PlayStation meant hype was turned towards the new explosion of horrible 3D graphics. The trends led to <em>EarthBound</em> feeling low rent to the handful of critics who wrote on it at the time. Sad!</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="https://gamepreservation.tumblr.com/post/150411590134/every-earthbound-review">The Video Game Preservation Dump</a></p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/386956-snakes.jpg" alt="Why'd EarthBound bomb? Well, critics at the time didn't help... screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=360087Chris Carterhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Chris+CarterNintendo kicks off new series 'Backlog Buster' with EarthBound2016-05-09T15:30:00Z2016-05-09T15:30:00Z<p>By the time <i><a href="https://www.destructoid.com/earthbound-so-what-s-the-big-deal--258465.phtml" target="_blank">EarthBound</a></i>&nbsp;hit, I was pretty well-versed in JRPGs (my first was <em>Dragon Warrior</em>&nbsp;as a kid) -- but that wasn't the case for everyone else. For those of you who haven't played it yet, Nintendo has a new miniseries up on its official channel called "Backlog Buster," which has Big N employees&nbsp;Kit &amp; Krysta travel through classic games they haven't experienced before.</p>
<p>This is going to be a remedial "Let's Play" type of situation for any <em>EarthBound</em>&nbsp;fan, but if you've been waiting to pull the trigger, the video should give you some sort of idea of what the wacky game entails as an outsider. Sadly, I never owned the game (I only rented it), and I'm extremely jealous of my friend who still has his original cartridge with the Player's Guide.</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/360087-EC1.jpg" alt="Nintendo kicks off new series 'Backlog Buster' with EarthBound screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/nintendo-kicks-off-new-series-backlog-buster-with-earthbound-360087.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=356508Kyle MacGregorhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Kyle+MacGregorMother 3 hasn't come west for 10 years now2016-04-20T07:00:00Z2016-04-20T07:00:00Z<p>On this day in 2006,&nbsp;<a style="font-style: italic;" href="https://www.destructoid.com/experience-points-23-mother-3-310276.phtml" target="_blank">Mother 3</a>&nbsp;was released for the Game Boy Advance in Japan.</p>
<p>Or in other words,&nbsp;the third entry in Shigesato Itoi's beloved role-playing game series has existed for ten whole years now and&nbsp;Nintendo still hasn't localized the damn thing for international audiences.</p>
<p>No, I'm not bitter about this. Not at all. Not in the slightest... Sigh.</p>
<p>[Thanks,&nbsp;<a href="https://kotaku.com/mother-3-is-ten-years-old-today-and-is-still-japan-only-1771981696" target="_blank">Kotaku</a>]</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/356508-n.jpg" alt="Mother 3 hasn't come west for 10 years now screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=339478Ben Davishttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Ben+DavisWhat changes can we expect from an official Mother 3 localization?2016-02-06T19:00:00Z2016-02-06T19:00:00Z<p>We've waited nearly 10 years for Nintendo to officially localize&nbsp;<em>Mother 3</em>. The wait has been so long, it's started to seem like an impossibility. However, due to some&nbsp;<a href="https://www.destructoid.com/is-nintendo-preparing-a-mother-3-localization--339041.phtml">rumors</a>&nbsp;over the past week, it's beginning to feel more and more likely that a western release might finally be happening. Especially when you factor in <em><a href="https://www.destructoid.com/earthbound-coming-to-north-america-and-europe--251872.phtml" target="_blank">EarthBound</a></em> and <em><a href="https://www.destructoid.com/earthbound-beginnings-announced-available-today-on-wii-u-virtual-console-293929.phtml" target="_blank">EarthBound Beginnings</a></em>' recent arrival&nbsp;the Wii U eShop, Lucas joining&nbsp;<em>Super Smash Bros.</em>&nbsp;roster, and the 10th anniversary of <em>Mother 3</em>'s Japanese release fast approaching, it has us wondering if this might this actually be the year.</p>
<p>Of course, with any localization (especially coming from Nintendo), many fans are worried about the possibility of censorship. <em>Mother 3</em> is one of the greatest video games I've ever played, and I'd hate to see too much of its content changed, but due to certain events and characters featured in the game, that seems inevitable.</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/339478-butt.jpg" alt="What changes can we expect from an official Mother 3 localization? screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/what-changes-can-we-expect-from-an-official-mother-3-localization--339478.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=339041Chris Carterhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Chris+CarterIs Nintendo preparing a Mother 3 localization?2016-02-04T10:00:00Z2016-02-04T10:00:00Z<p><em>Mother 3</em> has been a long-awaited localization -- perhaps one of the most requested in the history of gaming. Gamers have been assuaged by fan translation efforts, but a real, actual release would get this classic into the hands of more people, which is what we all really want.</p>
<p>According to multiple rumors floating around, we may get just that. In addition to Emily Rogers (whose <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/Emi1yRogers/">Twitter account was deleted</a> after sharing the news), a Nintendo-focused writer who has made predictions in the past, another source <a target="_blank" href="https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-02-04-mother-3-will-finally-get-western-release-report">has come forward at Eurogamer</a>, adding credence to the murmurs. It would make sense, as this is officially the game's 10th anniversary since its launch on the Game Boy Advance in Japan -- and wouldn't you know -- the Wii U supports GBA games, and has hosted several <em>Mother</em>&nbsp;releases in the past few years. The most popular translation effort has also been <a target="_blank" href="https://mother3.fobby.net/blog/2013/04/20/offer-to-nintendo/">offered to Nintendo for free</a>.</p>
<p>The fact that Lucas <a target="_blank" href="https://www.destructoid.com/lucas-goes-big-and-goes-home-in-super-smash-bros-4-293930.phtml">was brought in the new <em>Smash Bros.</em>&nbsp;as DLC</a> is definitely a sign of sorts. Sure they could have left him to die in <em>Brawl</em>, but making him relevant again has some sort of meaning. Note that the anniversary is officially in April, but this could also be a prime E3 announcement.</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/339041-AAC2.jpg" alt="Is Nintendo preparing a Mother 3 localization? screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=333641Darren Nakamurahttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Darren+NakamuraStarmen.net organizing one final push for Mother 3 localization2016-01-12T12:30:00Z2016-01-12T12:30:00Z<p>The ultra-dedicated fans at Starmen.net never seem to give up. They have been campaigning for an official Western release of <em>Mother 3</em> for what seems like a lifetime. According to the fansite, now is the ripest it will ever be with Lucas joining <em>Super Smash Bros. for 3DS</em> and<em> Wii U</em>, along with the Japanese Virtual Console release.</p>
<p>The message is that it's now or never. In order to get Nintendo's attention, the campaign is leveraging that recent release by posting Miiverse art to promote the idea of bringing it west. The organizers want quality posts rather than spam, but they are <a href="https://forum.starmen.net/forum/CurrentEvent/m3siege/Join-the-MOTHER-3-Miiverse-Siege" target="_blank">inviting all to participate</a>.</p>
<p>Who knows if this will have any effect on Nintendo of America's decisions? On the one hand, we've heard this a thousand times before and there's not much reason to expect anything different. On the other hand, I feel like Nintendo ought to just want us to shut up and may eventually give in.</p>
<p><div class="miiverse-post" lang="en" data-miiverse-cite="https://miiverse.nintendo.net/posts/AYMHAAACAAADVHkzlRjI_Q" data-miiverse-embedded-version="1"><noscript>You must have JavaScript enabled on your device to view Miiverse posts that have been embedded in a website. <a class="miiverse-post-link" href="https://miiverse.nintendo.net/posts/AYMHAAACAAADVHkzlRjI_Q">View post in Miiverse.</a></noscript></div><script async src="https://miiverse.nintendo.net/js/embedded.min.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/333641-Lucas.jpg" alt="Starmen.net organizing one final push for Mother 3 localization screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=322166Jordan Devorehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jordan+DevoreItoi has a good reason for not doing Mother 42015-11-23T16:00:00Z2015-11-23T16:00:00Z<p><em>Mother 4</em>? Not going to happen. Not with Shigesato Itoi, anyway.</p>
<p>"Totally impossible."</p>
<p>Speaking to <a target="_blank" href="https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/20151121_731822.html">Game Watch Impress</a>, as translated by <a target="_blank" href="https://kotaku.com/why-there-will-be-no-mother-4-1744150757">Kotaku</a>, he said, "Among big-time pop stars, if they, you know, put out ten albums, around the fourth album, they can't make very good songs. The albums sell, but everyone at the concerts wants to hear songs from those first three albums. Everyone."</p>
<p>While Itoi is best known in the West for his involvement with the <em>Mother </em>/ <em>EarthBound </em>series, his storied career extends far beyond the game industry. "I'm glad that video games are not my profession," he said. "If it was my job, I would've already made [<em>Mother</em>] 4 and 5."</p>
<p>I respect that restraint, but who knows. Maybe Itoi will feel inspired one day and come around.</p>
<p>We still have the upcoming fan-made <em>Mother 4</em>, and it looks <a target="_blank" href="https://www.destructoid.com/ul/322166-/c5tg68l0-noscale.jpg">groovy</a>. I wanted to write this story with the soundtrack running, but it's mysteriously gone from SoundCloud. Bummer. The last blog, <a target="_blank" href="https://blog.mother4game.com/post/131908093559/update-10-enemies-by-the-numbers">posted in late October</a>, showed some enemy designs. The team noted it would be quiet over the holiday season and that regular updates would return in 2016.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/20151121_731822.html">&#31992;&#20117;&#37325;&#37324;&#27663;&#38477;&#33256;&#65281; &#12300;MOTHER&#12392;&#12411;&#12412;&#26085;&#12392;&#31992;&#20117;&#37325;&#37324;&#12290;&#12301;&#12452;&#12531;&#12479;&#12499;&#12517;&#12540;</a> [Game Watch Impress]</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/322166-h1.jpg" alt="Itoi has a good reason for not doing Mother 4 screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/itoi-has-a-good-reason-for-not-doing-mother-4-322166.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=320562Jordan Devorehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jordan+DevoreSuch a tease! Mother 3 is headed to Wii U in Japan2015-11-12T17:50:00Z2015-11-12T17:50:00Z<p>There was at least one noticeable difference between today's Nintendo Direct in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VF3AnGHbG6s">North America</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPlWZ0FHrZ0">Japan</a>, and of course it involved <em>Mother 3</em>. The latter region is getting the treasured role-playing game on the Wii U Virtual Console next month.</p>
<p>It's not our year, apparently. Will it ever be? Perhaps in my lifetime.</p>
<p>The port will be available digitally in Japan on December 17, 2015.</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/320562-h1.jpg" alt="Such a tease! Mother 3 is headed to Wii U in Japan screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=319885Darren Nakamurahttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Darren+NakamuraGentle Love does EarthBound as a tribute to Iwata2015-11-09T16:00:00Z2015-11-09T16:00:00Z<p><span><sub>[Disclosure: Jayson Napolitano previously worked for Destructoid. He is now representing Gentle Love.]</sub></span></p>
<p>You know Gentle Love, right? It's the Japanese duo responsible for the soothing <em><a href="https://www.destructoid.com/silky-smooth-game-music-lullabies-volume-ii-out-now-291118.phtml">Prescription for Sleep: Game Music Lullabies</a></em> albums. "Snake Eater" from <em><a href="https://www.destructoid.com/review-metal-gear-solid-snake-eater-3d-223656.phtml">Metal Gear Solid 3</a></em> done in piano and sax is a great rendition. The fact that <em>Metal Gear Solid</em> series composer Norihiko Hibino is one half of Gentle Love might have something to do with it being so good.</p>
<p>Anyway, Gentle Love has released a two-song album, each track a tribute to someone who passed away this year. The first track, "Onett," honors Satoru Iwata, who famously <a target="_blank" href="https://kamedani.tumblr.com/post/45700864819/mother-2-re-release-discussion-part-1">saved <em>EarthBound</em></a>, allowing it to reach its cult classic status. It is strangely melancholy; the Onett theme is normally upbeat and punchy, but this version slows it down into something more demure and wistful.</p>
<p>The second track, "Sincerely Yours," is more personal. It's an original work honoring musician Eiki Oshimi, who was a mentor to Hibino and who passed away within days of Iwata.</p>
<p><em>Prescription for Peace: A Tribute to the Departed</em> is up for purchase on <a target="_blank" href="https://loudr.fm/release/prescription-for-peace-a-tribute-to-the-departed/Hxd5z">Loudr</a>&nbsp;for a dollar to cover licensing fees. Any additional money made through the pay-what-you-want pricing will go to the <a href="https://www.cancer.org/" target="_blank">American Cancer Society</a>.</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/319885-Onett.jpg" alt="Gentle Love does EarthBound as a tribute to Iwata screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=310276Ben Davishttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Ben+DavisExperience Points .23: Mother 32015-09-12T16:00:00Z2015-09-12T16:00:00Z<p>Experience Points is a series in which I highlight some of the most memorable things about a particular game. These can include anything from a specific scene or moment, a character, a weapon or item, a level or location, a part of the soundtrack, a gameplay mechanic, a line of dialogue, or anything else about the game that is particularly noteworthy and/or awesome.</p>
<p>This series will no doubt contain spoilers for the games being discussed, so keep that in mind if you plan on playing the game for the first time.</p>
<p>This entry is all about <em>Mother 3</em>. Feel free to share some of your own favorite things about the game in the comments!</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/310276-m3header.jpg" alt="Experience Points .23: Mother 3 screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/experience-points-23-mother-3-310276.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=307533Ben Davishttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Ben+DavisThe EarthBound soundtrack is getting a vinyl release next year2015-08-25T21:00:00Z2015-08-25T21:00:00Z<p><em>[Disclosure: I backed the Kickstarter for the Mother original arranged soundtrack on vinyl.]</em></p>
<p>Earlier this year, independent record label Ship to Shore PhonoCo. acquired the licensing rights to release the <a href="https://www.destructoid.com/mother-original-arranged-soundtrack-is-being-printed-on-vinyl-288870.phtml"><em>Mother</em> soundtrack on vinyl</a> for western audiences and took to Kickstarter to try and get the project off the ground. The Kickstarter campaign was a huge success, resulting in not only vinyl copies of the soundtrack being printed, but CDs as well.</p>
<p>In fact, the project was so successful that Ship to Shore is now planning to release the official <em>Mother 2</em> soundtrack on vinyl also! <a target="_blank" href="https://shiptoshore.storenvy.com/">Pre-orders for the album</a> will be available starting tomorrow, and it's expected to ship January 2016, not long after the <em>Mother</em> album ships. Kickstarter backers of the first album will also be able to receive a special gift if they pre-order the <em>Mother 2 </em>soundtrack.</p>
<p>The vinyl will be printed in four different designs, including red/black swirl (Giygas theme), blue/yellow split (Ness' shirt theme), pink (hot spring theme), and classic black. They all look pretty nifty, but I think the hot spring pink option might be my favorite.</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/307533-vinyl.jpg" alt="The EarthBound soundtrack is getting a vinyl release next year screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/the-earthbound-soundtrack-is-getting-a-vinyl-release-next-year-307533.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=296233Ben Davishttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Ben+DavisCamp Fangamer celebrates EarthBound's 25th anniversary for charity2015-07-18T09:00:00Z2015-07-18T09:00:00Z<p>A few years back, the folks at <a href="https://www.fangamer.com/" target="_blank">Fangamer</a> and <a href="https://starmen.net/" target="_blank">Starmen.net</a> held an <a href="https://www.destructoid.com/earthbound-bash-celebrates-mother-for-charity-266599.phtml">EarthBound Bash</a> which raised $23,420 for charity. This year, in celebration of <em>EarthBound</em>'s 25th anniversary, they're hosting a similar event known as <a href="https://www.campfangamer.com/" target="_blank">Camp Fangamer</a>. They've invited 450 people to come and play <em>EarthBound</em> with them, which will be broadcast live from Tucson, Arizona (because Twoson, get it?).</p>
<p>This weekend-long event kicks off at 10am PDT today and runs until 7pm Sunday. You can watch the fun over on the <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/fangamer" target="_blank">Fangamer Twitch channel</a>, where they will be announcing charity auctions, hosting interviews with cool guests, and showing off interactive events, gameplay, and live music.</p>
<p>And don't forget to donate to the event for a chance to win prizes like Mr. Saturn plushes or even a custom built <em>Mother</em> themed arcade cabinet (dang, that thing looks sweet)! All profits benefit the <a href="https://speakyoursilence.org/" target="_blank">Speak Your Silence</a> charity organization.</p>
<p>Also, check out these amazing pi&ntilde;atas (plus the arcade cabinet) that they created for the event. I'd love to take a swing at that Pokey pi&ntilde;ata!</p>
<p><img src="https://www.destructoid.com/ul/296233-camp-fangamer-celebrates-earthbound-s-25th-anniversary-for-charity/fangamerpinatas-noscale.jpg" border="0" width="620" height="413" /></p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/296233-earthboundheader.jpg" alt="Camp Fangamer celebrates EarthBound's 25th anniversary for charity screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/camp-fangamer-celebrates-earthbound-s-25th-anniversary-for-charity-296233.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=295305Dengarhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/DengarBetter with Age: From the bargain bin to Japan2015-07-11T17:00:00Z2015-07-11T17:00:00Z<p><em><sub>[For our next <a target="_blank" href="https://www.destructoid.com/bloggers-wanted-better-with-age-295204.phtml">Bloggers Wanted</a> promotion, Dengar tells us how EarthBound revealed more and more to him starting from his youth and into adulthood. Keep on truckin' with this month's theme, folks, there's more to come! - Pixie The Fairy]</sub></em></p>
<p>I needed <em>EarthBound</em>.</p>
<p>I had found the game at a Walmart, in a bargain bin for fifteen to twenty-five dollars. I remember that being part of what made <em>EarthBound</em> stand out as I was a kid without a lot of money, but the box was big, colorful and the clay figures on the box were really unique, too. The box also mentioned <em>EarthBound</em> came with a player's guide. Getting a free guide with a game was an attractive bonus because they were so expensive.</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/295305-k34ivu3rk93rmju5soog.jpg" alt="Better with Age: From the bargain bin to Japan screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/better-with-age-from-the-bargain-bin-to-japan-295305.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=293930Jonathan Holmeshttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jonathan+HolmesLucas goes big and goes home in Super Smash Bros. 42015-06-14T19:00:00Z2015-06-14T19:00:00Z<p>Lucas is one of those characters that people will play no matter how good or bad he is in a given <em>Smash Bros.</em> game. <em>Mother/Earthbound</em> fans are like that. Just look at the comments in the announcement post for <em>Earthbound Beginnings</em>. The love and loyalty that <em>Mother</em> fans feel for the franchise is no small thing.&nbsp;</p>
<p>As nice as it is to be loved, it would be nice if Lucas had some advantages in life for a change. Anyone who's played <em>Mother 3</em> can tell you, the kid's childhood wasn't exactly fair. Thankfully, <em>Smash 4</em> seems to have granted Lucas a few advantages over his <em>Mother</em> brother Ness, and some buffs from his initial <em>Smash</em> appearance in <em>Brawl </em>as well.&nbsp;</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/293930-Lucas3.jpg" alt="Lucas goes big and goes home in Super Smash Bros. 4 screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/lucas-goes-big-and-goes-home-in-super-smash-bros-4-293930.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=293929Jed Whitakerhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jed+WhitakerEarthbound Beginnings announced, available today on Wii U Virtual Console2015-06-14T17:05:00Z2015-06-14T17:05:00Z<p><iframe width="620" height="376" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ttKkiEKqwuk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>[<strong>Update</strong>: Included special message from <em>Mother/Earthbound</em> creator Shigesato Itoi below.]</p>
<p>If you were hoping that Nintendo would announce the release of <em>Mother 3</em> for the U.S. and Europe today to coincide with the <a href="https://www.destructoid.com/ryu-roy-and-all-the-other-leaked-smash-dlc-available-now-293906.phtml" target="_blank">Lucas <em>Smash 4</em> DLC</a>, then congratulations! You almost got what you wanted!</p>
<p>Nintendo and <em>Mother</em> series creator Shigesato Itoi at the Nintendo World Championships 2015 just announced that <em>Mother</em>&nbsp;is being localized as <em>Earthbound Beginnings</em> and released today on the Wii U Virtual console at 9pm EST for $6.99! Rated T for teen!</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/293929-image.jpg" alt="Earthbound Beginnings announced, available today on Wii U Virtual Console screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/earthbound-beginnings-announced-available-today-on-wii-u-virtual-console-293929.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=290432Darren Nakamurahttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Darren+NakamuraGame News Haikus: EarthBound, The Last of Us, Mortal Kombat X, and more2015-04-14T07:30:00Z2015-04-14T07:30:00Z<p><iframe width="620" height="349" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BJBbZDIh3JM?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>I wrote a thing about <em>The Last of Us</em> last week, and despite the use of measured language, there were accusations of extreme opinions on either side. Come on, people. That is not very zen. Find your nirvana.</p>
<p>In this series, we take a look at the stories that gathered the most attention of the past week, and distill each one down to its essence. Here are the topics that the surly D. Takeshi Nakamura takes on this week:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.destructoid.com/first-ness-now-his-game-earthbound-sold-out-on-club-nintendo-reward-list-290032.phtml">First Ness, now his game? <em>EarthBound</em> 'sold out' on Club Nintendo reward list</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.destructoid.com/nintendo-open-to-third-party-smash-bros-dlc-votes-290059.phtml">Nintendo open to third-party <em>Smash Bros.</em> DLC votes</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.destructoid.com/the-last-of-us-multiplayer-dlc-is-not-okay-290010.phtml"><em>The Last of Us</em> multiplayer DLC is not okay</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.destructoid.com/warner-bros-making-a-five-nights-at-freddy-s-movie-290150.phtml">Warner Bros. making a <em>Five Nights at Freddy's</em> movie</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.destructoid.com/review-pok-mon-rumble-world-289936.phtml">Review: <em>Pok&eacute;mon Rumble World</em></a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.destructoid.com/welp-cassie-cage-has-a-jaw-dropping-hah-selfie-fatality-in-mortal-kombat-x-290158.phtml">Welp, Cassie Cage has a jaw-dropping (hah) selfie fatality in <em>Mortal Kombat X</em></a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.destructoid.com/microsoft-again-gives-the-finger-to-conker-fans-290190.phtml">Microsoft again gives the finger to <em>Conker</em> fans</a></li>
</ul> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/290432-Header620.jpg" alt="Game News Haikus: EarthBound, The Last of Us, Mortal Kombat X, and more screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=290113Chris Carterhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Chris+CarterEarthbound is back up at Club Nintendo2015-04-07T08:30:00Z2015-04-07T08:30:00Z<p>Earlier this week we noticed that <i>Earthbound</i>&nbsp;had been <a href="https://www.destructoid.com/first-ness-now-his-game-earthbound-sold-out-on-club-nintendo-reward-list-290032.phtml" target="_blank">removed from Club Nintendo</a>, despite the fact that it's a digital release.</p>
<p>Thanks to a tip from a reader, I logged into the service this morning to find out that it had been restored, available for purchase for 250 Coins. Remember, <a target="_blank" href="https://club2.nintendo.com/program-notice/">you have until June 30, 2015</a>&nbsp;to redeem your Coins. After that everything will be lost to the abyss, when the program shuts down at 11:59 PM PST.</p>
<p>Nothing will be carried over to the new loyalty program, so spend all your Nintendo bucks.</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/290113-FFA1.jpg" alt="Earthbound is back up at Club Nintendo screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=290032Jonathan Holmeshttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jonathan+HolmesFirst Ness, now his game? EarthBound 'sold out' on Club Nintendo reward list2015-04-05T10:30:00Z2015-04-05T10:30:00Z<p>[<a href="https://zarla.deviantart.com/art/Please-Give-Us-Strength-47351985" target="_blank">Please Give Us Strength art by Zarla</a>]</p>
<p>Pre-orders for the GameStop exclusive <a href="https://www.destructoid.com/review-wave-4-amiibo-shopping-289958.phtml">Ness amiibo went up last week, and it was pretty much a disaster</a>. GameStop.com ended up being taken offline as a result, and in-store orders took upwards of two hours in some locations due to the store's servers being completely overwhelmed. Even fans waiting second or third in line for the toy might have been shut out, as GameStop's pre-orders weren't organized by a store-specific allocation, and instead were divvied from a chain-wide pool. If some jerk in Tuscaloosa decided to pre-order ten Ness figures in his store, then that was ten fewer Nesses for everyone else in the country.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Sadly, long time fans of <em><a target="_blank" href="https://www.destructoid.com/experience-points-03-earthbound-287333.phtml">EarthBound</a></em> are used to the feeling <a target="_blank" href="https://www.destructoid.com/nintendo-doesn-t-want-story-of-earthbound-published-269234.phtml">having a door closed in their faces</a>. From Nintendo's decision to keep <a target="_blank" href="https://www.destructoid.com/nintendo-pokes-fun-at-fans-jokes-about-mother-3-276358.phtml"><em>Mother 3</em>&nbsp;locked to Japan</a>, to continued reluctance to <a href="https://www.destructoid.com/fan-compiles-all-three-mother-games-for-wii-272111.phtml">release one of the many ports of the games to the United States</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.destructoid.com/mother-3-fan-translators-offer-their-patch-to-nintendo-252127.phtml">fans of <em>EarthBound</em></a> who live anywhere other than Japan have had to grow accustomed to not getting what they want.</p>
<p>The most recent case of <em><a href="https://www.destructoid.com/earthbound-so-what-s-the-big-deal--258465.phtml">EarthBound</a></em>&nbsp;neglect comes from Club Nintendo. The game was initially one of the many titles made available to as part of the <a href="https://www.destructoid.com/doc-louis-s-punch-out-headlines-club-nintendo-blowout-sale-with-tons-of-new-rewards-287063.phtml">service's mega "going out of business" sale</a>, alongside other SNES classics like <em>Super Metroid</em> and <em>The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past</em>. Now the <a href="https://club.nintendo.com/rewards-details/a/45054.do" target="_blank">rewards page for the game reads "This item is unavailable. Sorry!</a>" That kind of "sold out!" message is usually reserved for physical Club Nintendo rewards, which would often disappear in a few days, but this is a download we're talking about. It's hard to understand why Nintendo blocks us from access to a endlessly replenishable digital product.&nbsp;</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/290032-EarthboundSoldOut.jpg" alt="First Ness, now his game? EarthBound 'sold out' on Club Nintendo reward list screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/first-ness-now-his-game-earthbound-sold-out-on-club-nintendo-reward-list-290032.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=288870Ben Davishttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Ben+DavisMother original arranged soundtrack is being printed on vinyl2015-03-10T18:00:00Z2015-03-10T18:00:00Z<p><iframe width="620" height="349" src="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/972481375/mother-the-original-arranged-soundtrack-album/widget/video.html" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"> </iframe></p>
<p><em>Mother</em> (aka <em>EarthBound Zero</em>) had a very peculiar official soundtrack which, until now, has never been released outside of Japan. Rather than taking music straight from the game, composers Hirokazu "Hip" Tanaka (<em>Metroid</em>, <em>Kid Icarus</em>) and Keiichi Suzuki (<em>Tokyo Godfathers</em>) went with a fully orchestrated soundtrack, which even contained some <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBbRJoHTJAM" target="_blank">English vocals</a> from lesser-known European musicians including Catherine Warwick, Louis Philippe, Jeb Million, and the Saint Paul's Cathedral Choir. It's a very bizarre album, but there's something special about its weirdness.</p>
<p>Well, it seems a record label named Ship to Shore PhonoCo. has obtained the licensing rights to the album and have launched a <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/972481375/mother-the-original-arranged-soundtrack-album" target="_blank">Kickstarter campaign</a> to officially release the <em>Mother</em> OST outside of Japan, and on vinyl no less! If the Kickstarter does well enough, Ship to Shore might consider releasing the soundtracks for other videogames on vinyl as well, maybe even the rest of the <em>Mother</em> series.</p>
<p>The Kickstarter offers some really cool incentives for backers, including art prints, exclusive translucent red vinyl records, and a liner notes booklet with some "behind the scenes" information about the album from the original artists. Excess funding will go towards printing more copies so more fans can get their hands on the soundtrack.</p>
<p>This unique, kitschy album would be a great addition to any <em>EarthBound</em> collection. It's also worth noting that while the main album contains orchestrated music, the D-side will contain a track titled "The World of Mother," a medley of music straight from the Famicom game, so you can have cheesy vocalized tracks and wonderful 8-bit goodness all on one record.</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/288870-motherost.jpg" alt="Mother original arranged soundtrack is being printed on vinyl screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=288395Jed Whitakerhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jed+WhitakerRumor: Ness amiibo leaked, selling on Chinese auction site2015-02-28T18:30:00Z2015-02-28T18:30:00Z<p>A Ness amiibo has been spotted for sale on a <a target="_blank" href="https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.14.222.n9jdo1&amp;id=43937929165&amp;ns=1&amp;abbucket=11#detail">Chinese auction site</a> and appears to be in European packaging. Currently it sits at about $55, though I don't imagine that price will stay there for long.</p>
<p>Comparing the images in the gallery to the <a href="https://www.nintendo.com/amiibo/detail/wk1chb2jZhXmRJO8TJr3REaGMSrNHCOi" target="_blank">official Ness amiibo pictures</a>, I'd say it looks to be the real deal. What do you think, real or fake?</p>
<p><a href="https://myamiibonews.com/2015/02/ness-amiibo-leaked-in-china-up-for-sale-on-chinese-webpage/" target="_blank">Ness amiibo leaked in China</a> [My amiibo News]</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/288395-ness.jpg" alt="Rumor: Ness amiibo leaked, selling on Chinese auction site screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/rumor-ness-amiibo-leaked-selling-on-chinese-auction-site-288395.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=288160Ben Davishttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Ben+DavisFan-made Mother 4 still on track, finally gets a gameplay trailer2015-02-24T20:00:00Z2015-02-24T20:00:00Z<p><iframe width="620" height="349" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-qtQWUF6-Co" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p><em>EarthBound</em> creator Shigesato Itoi has <a href="https://www.destructoid.com/interview-stamps-out-mother-4-dreams-again-198159.phtml">already confirmed</a> multiple times that he's not interested in working on any more games in the <em>Mother</em> series, but he wouldn't mind playing&nbsp;<em>Mother 4</em>&nbsp;if it was made by somebody else.</p>
<p>Enter the <em>EarthBound</em> fans. The fine folks over at <a target="_blank" href="https://starmen.net/">Starmen.net</a> have been hard at work trying to make <em><a target="_blank" href="https://www.mother4game.com/">Mother 4</a></em> a reality. The project has been in development for five years now, and the effort and dedication really shows. Today, the team finally released a gameplay trailer, and it's looking absolutely fantastic. If I didn't know any better, I'd think it was an official sequel.</p>
<p>The trailer shows us a bunch of completely random things you can expect to do in the game, like ride around town on a motorcycle, talk to stray dogs, beat up melting robots, and more. I actually laughed out loud at several points during the video (that hermit can!), so that's definitely a good sign. It looks like they adopted the rhythm-based combat of <em>Mother 3</em>, which I'm very much a fan of, and added some new combat tactics as well. I cannot wait to play this!</p>
<p>We can expect to see&nbsp;<em>Mother 4</em> this summer on PC, Mac, and Linux. It will even be available for free, so there's no reason not to check it out!</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/288160-mother4.jpg" alt="Fan-made Mother 4 still on track, finally gets a gameplay trailer screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=287537Ben Davishttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Ben+DavisMother 3 hot springs man lovingly recreated with polygons2015-02-11T17:00:00Z2015-02-11T17:00:00Z<p><iframe width="620" height="349" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9GiWmFFqkZc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>YouTuber KamiWasa created a short animation of the mysterious old man from <em>Mother 3</em>, who is sometimes seen hanging out in the hot springs. It's just a quick loop of the man appearing and disappearing, as he often does, and using his signature catchphrase, "Yes?"</p>
<p>It's a silly video, but it makes me happy to see <em>Mother 3</em> rendered in 3D, complete with the soothing hot springs music. The <em>Mother</em> series is already perfect in pixel form, but it would still be fun to see the games done up in polygons. I mean, <em>Mother 3</em> was <a target="_blank" href="https://starmen.net/eb64/">almost an N64 game</a>, after all.</p>
<p>I hope we see more stuff like this from KamiWasa and other fans. Maybe they could do an alternate version with the hot springs lady saying, "Mixed gender bathing?"</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/287537-hotspringsman.jpg" alt="Mother 3 hot springs man lovingly recreated with polygons screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=287333Ben Davishttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Ben+DavisExperience Points .03: EarthBound2015-02-07T16:00:00Z2015-02-07T16:00:00Z<p>Experience Points is a series in which I highlight some of the most memorable things about a particular game. These can include anything from a specific scene or moment, a character, a weapon or item, a level or location, a part of the soundtrack, a gameplay mechanic, a line of dialogue, or anything else about the game that is particularly noteworthy and/or awesome.</p>
<p>This series will no doubt contain spoilers for the games being discussed, so keep that in mind if you plan on playing the game for the first time.</p>
<p>This entry is all about <em>EarthBound</em>, one of my favorite games of all time. Feel free to share some of your own favorite things about the game in the comments!</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/287333-earthboundheader.jpg" alt="Experience Points .03: EarthBound screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/experience-points-03-earthbound-287333.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=285731Chris Carterhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Chris+CarterThis new footage from the EarthBound-inspired Y2K looks soothing2015-01-05T14:00:00Z2015-01-05T14:00:00Z<p><iframe width="620" height="350" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/LjmW-TPfTLs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p><em><a href="https://www.destructoid.com/-y2k-is-a-killer7-earthbound-hipster-hybrid-heaven-268296.phtml" target="_blank">Y2K</a></em> is still in development, and it wears its <i>EarthBound</i>/<em>Mother</em>&nbsp;inspirations on its sleeve. The latest footage of the RPG shows the protagonist running around in the "East Mainstreet" town area, taking in the sights while a soothing track plays.</p>
<p>The art style is excellent, and the modern/retro look is doing the game a lot of favors. I especially dig how far the draw distance looks, and the idea of exploring vast faraway lands looks fun.</p>
<p>It's a tiny sneak peek, but I'm interested.</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/285731-VVCCC.jpg" alt="This new footage from the EarthBound-inspired Y2K looks soothing screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=283890Jonathan Holmeshttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jonathan+HolmesEarthBound documentary Kickstarter success leads to convention2014-11-15T10:15:00Z2014-11-15T10:15:00Z<p>The <em><a href="https://www.destructoid.com/earthbound-so-what-s-the-big-deal--258465.phtml" target="_blank">EarthBound</a></em> fanbase is an ever growing blob of sweetness and joy. Just when you think you've seen how far it can go, it gets even bigger and even more happy. Did you know that the game was #10 on the Wii U eshop charts last week, beating out awesome games like <em>Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past</em>, <em>Shovel Knight</em>, and <em>Super Mario Bros</em>.? Not bad for a turn-based comedy/drama RPG that was once considered a flop.&nbsp;</p>
<p>As well as the game has done on the Wii U, I'm more impressed with how well its fans have done on Kickstarter. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.fangamer.com/">Fangamer</a>'s <a target="_blank" href="https://www.destructoid.com/fangamer-is-going-all-out-for-this-earthbound-project-283086.phtml">upcoming documentary/CD/book/zine project</a> has been a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ORXJNcGcLE">runaway hit</a>, collecting over $200K with about six days of its Kickstarter campaign left. With that $200K milestone, Fangamer has announced they'll be throwing a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fangamer/you-are-now-earthbound/posts/1052349"><em>EarthBound/Mother</em> convention next summer</a>. It will be a relatively lean and mean event, with a cap at 450 attendees. About 300 of those tickets will be made available to backers first, leaving the rest of to hope that the remaining 150 tickets don't sell out instantly (which they will). If it's a big enough success, they may turn it into a yearly thing.&nbsp;</p>
<p>While crowdfunded games don't seem to be finding the same success that they used to, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.patreon.com/jimquisition">crowdfunded things about games</a>&nbsp;appear to be doing better than ever. <a href="https://www.patreon.com/fistshark" target="_blank">Maybe Fistshark should plan a convention stretch goal</a>, something that rhymes with <em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTmappTfRfo" target="_blank">Don John</a></em> perhaps...</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/283890-FanGamer.jpg" alt="EarthBound documentary Kickstarter success leads to convention screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=283086Darren Nakamurahttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Darren+NakamuraFangamer is going all out for this EarthBound project2014-10-27T17:00:00Z2014-10-27T17:00:00Z<p><iframe width="620" height="349" src="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fangamer/you-are-now-earthbound/widget/video.html" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"> </iframe></p>
<p><a href="https://www.fangamer.com/" target="_blank">Fangamer</a> has come a long way from its beginnings at <a href="https://starmen.net/" target="_blank">Starmen.net</a>. What started as a <em>Mother</em>/<em>EarthBound</em>-focused fandom now sells all sorts of videogame-related merchandise. With this current project, titled <em><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fangamer/you-are-now-earthbound" target="_blank">You Are Now EarthBound</a></em> (after an old fansite), the team is returning to its roots. Not only is it focusing on the game that catalyzed the company's genesis, it is looking like one of the biggest projects Fangamer has taken on.</p>
<p>It is set to include a handbook similar to <a href="https://www.destructoid.com/fangamer-brings-back-mother-3-book-has-other-cool-shizz-217873.phtml">the one produced for <em>Mother 3</em></a>, a <a href="https://www.destructoid.com/travel-to-earthbound-usa-in-this-fanmade-documentary-273946.phtml">documentary</a> on the fandom for the series, an album of <em>EarthBound</em> music arranged by the <a href="https://baddudesmusic.com/" target="_blank">Bad Dudes</a>, and a zine composed of <a href="https://pkzine.tumblr.com/" target="_blank"><em>EarthBound</em>-inspired art and writing</a>.</p>
<p>Getting all of the rewards digitally takes a pledge of $32, with physical releases starting at twice that much. Work is well underway on the project, but Fangamer is seeking $100,000 on <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fangamer/you-are-now-earthbound" target="_blank">Kickstarter</a> to help get it all finished. As of this publication, it is nearly halfway to that goal at about $45,000.</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/283086-h1.jpg" alt="Fangamer is going all out for this EarthBound project screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=282726Jordan Devorehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jordan+DevoreMissing EarthBound is my biggest gaming regret2014-10-18T14:00:00Z2014-10-18T14:00:00Z<p>Every so often on Destructoid, we publish a post celebrating <em>EarthBound</em> and, right on cue, I come away impressed. Whether it's Chad <a href="https://www.destructoid.com/the-memory-card-81-a-prayer-for-ness-195985.phtml" target="_blank">recounting</a> an emotional, fourth-wall-breaking moment, Jonathan <a href="https://www.destructoid.com/earthbound-so-what-s-the-big-deal--258465.phtml" target="_blank">explaining</a> the game's greatness, or Darren <a href="https://www.destructoid.com/get-your-nostalgia-flowing-with-this-cartoon-retelling-of-earthbound-282249.phtml" target="_blank">sharing</a> a heartfelt animation, I'm left in awe at the raw passion, talent, and near decades-long commitment of its fans.</p>
<p>I also leave those posts feeling a hint of sadness. For as much as I know about <em>EarthBound</em>, I don't *know* <em>EarthBound</em>. Not personally. I would say I've never experienced it before but that's untrue. I have tried and failed to play it a couple of times now, as recently as a few years back. That last attempt wasn't painful so much as it was a little depressing.</p>
<p>"Why can't I get into this?" I remember asking myself. "I'm sure I'd adore it if only I could!"</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/282726-h1.jpg" alt="Missing EarthBound is my biggest gaming regret screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/missing-earthbound-is-my-biggest-gaming-regret-282726.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=282249Darren Nakamurahttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Darren+NakamuraGet your nostalgia flowing with this cartoon retelling of EarthBound2014-10-08T08:00:00Z2014-10-08T08:00:00Z<p><iframe width="620" height="349" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/-hVuv7mDNqM?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>Fans of<em> EarthBound</em>&nbsp;celebrated the 20th anniversary of its Japanese release a little over a month ago on August 27. Followers of the series are known for going above and beyond in celebrating it, so of course one would spend four years making this lovely, charming tribute.</p>
<p>The five-minute animation retells the story of Ness and his friends on their journey to save Eagleland from Giygas. So many little touches are in there that will bring a smile to <em>EarthBound</em> fans' faces. There is a Spiteful Crow carrying a cookie, Paula's teddy bear, a New Age Retro Hippie, the Runaway Five, Overcoming Shyness, homesickness, and more. The iconic scene of Paula praying during the final battle made me a little misty-eyed.</p>
<p>More information about the video and its creation can be found at <a href="https://projectpkflash.tumblr.com/about" target="_blank">Project PK Flash</a>.</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/282249-EarthBound3.jpg" alt="Get your nostalgia flowing with this cartoon retelling of EarthBound screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=278383Jonathan Holmeshttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jonathan+HolmesEarthBound localization dev chats about the old days on his new Kickstarter2014-07-20T11:00:00Z2014-07-20T11:00:00Z<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCRNNsrvpvA" target="_blank">Marcus Lindblom</a> is a heck of a guy. Every time you think he's let loose everything there is to tell about taking Shigesato Itoi's <em>Mother 2</em> and transforming it into <em>EarthBound</em>, he pulls out some new stories to shares. Right now he's running a Kickstarter for a RTS called <em>The Robot&nbsp;</em><i>Apocalypse</i>, but the subject of <em>EarthBound</em> follows him wherever he goes.&nbsp;</p>
<p>He's got some interesting insights on giving the game's religious cult a less KKK-style, more Santa-influenced look, how the "just say no" anti-drug campaign of the time influenced how stores were named, and a lot more. His daughter Nico also jumps in with some words about her experience with both being in <em>EarthBound</em>, and playing it herself.</p>
<p>It's clear that Marcus is trying to get the Earthbound community to take notice of the Kickstarter campaign, which isn't doing half as well as I figured it would. Sadly, I think that a lot of Lindblom's fans aren't as quick to take notice of him unless he's doing something <em>Earthbound</em> related. I wonder how much better <em>The Robot Apocalypse</em> would be doing if it featured psychic youths talking to quirky NPCs as they journey across the world?</p>
<p><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1654789449/the-robot-apocalypse/posts" target="_blank">The Robot Apocalypse Updates</a>- [Kickstarter]</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/278383-Tank.jpg" alt="EarthBound localization dev chats about the old days on his new Kickstarter screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=277681Brittany Vincenthttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Brittany+VincentImport this Mother 2 figure set just in time for the game's 20th anniversary2014-07-07T12:30:00Z2014-07-07T12:30:00Z<p>Takara Tomy Arts continues their line of <em><a target="_blank" href="https://www.destructoid.com/tag.phtml?t=EarthBound">Mother 2</a> (EarthBound)</em> releases with these adorable gashapon figures. Ness, Paula, Jeff, Poo, and Mr. Saturn comprise the set and all are around 2.5 inches tall, with the exception of Mr. Saturn.</p>
<p>These figures are slated for an October release and you can preorder them at <a target="_blank" href="https://ncsx.blogspot.com/2014/07/toys-mother-2-stand-figure-set-import.html">NCSX</a> now in a complete set for $22.90, though the toys themselves will be sold in Japanese capsule machines if you're over to experience the thrill of getting the figure you want. Or the crushing disappointment when you happen to get a double. So just buy them all at once!</p>
<p>Hopefully there'll be a lot more <em>Mother 2</em> goodness in store for us<em>. </em>I mean, toys and other bric-a-brac are pretty much all we can ask for at this point, right?</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/277681-ness1.jpg" alt="Import this Mother 2 figure set just in time for the game's 20th anniversary screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/import-this-mother-2-figure-set-just-in-time-for-the-game-s-20th-anniversary-277681.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=277313Jonathan Holmeshttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jonathan+HolmesThe Beatles, Beach Boys and Monty Python really were in Earthbound2014-06-28T22:00:00Z2014-06-28T22:00:00Z<p><iframe width="620" height="376" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/E_oc9Ypcb2Q" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>If you're one of the many new Wii U owners out there who picked up the console for <em><a href="https://www.destructoid.com/review-mario-kart-8-274239.phtml" target="_blank">Mario Kart 8</a></em>, or for all the exciting new games that Nintendo showed off at E3, you may not be caught up on all the great games already on the thing. <em><a target="_blank" href="https://www.destructoid.com/review-pikmin-3-258903.phtml">Pikmin 3</a></em>, <em><a target="_blank" href="https://www.destructoid.com/review-super-mario-3d-world-265323.phtml">Super Mario 3D World</a></em>, <em><a target="_blank" href="https://www.destructoid.com/review-rayman-legends-260818.phtml">Rayman Legends</a></em>, <em><a target="_blank" href="https://www.destructoid.com/review-donkey-kong-country-tropical-freeze-270430.phtml">Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze</a></em>, <a href="https://www.destructoid.com/review-zombiu-238776.phtml" target="_blank">ZombiU</a> and <em><a target="_blank" href="https://www.destructoid.com/review-the-wonderful-101-261553.phtml">The Wonderful 101</a></em> at retail. <em><a href="https://www.destructoid.com/-easier-to-publish-on-wii-u-than-on-steam-says-dev-260546.phtml" target="_blank">Ittle Dew</a>, <a href="https://www.destructoid.com/review-little-inferno-243663.phtml" target="_blank">Little Inferno</a>, <a href="https://www.destructoid.com/review-mighty-switch-force-hyper-drive-edition-238916.phtml" target="_blank">Mighty Switch Force! HD</a>, <a href="https://www.destructoid.com/review-aban-hawkins-and-the-1001-spikes-275719.phtml" target="_blank">1001 Spikes</a></em>, <em><a href="https://www.destructoid.com/review-pushmo-world-275594.phtml" target="_blank">Pushmo World</a></em>, and <em><a href="https://www.destructoid.com/review-shovel-knight-276752.phtml" target="_blank">Shovel Knight</a></em> on the eShop. Those are some pretty neat videogames, guys.</p>
<p>One that I'm worried will get overlooked (again) is <em><a target="_blank" href="https://www.destructoid.com/earthbound-so-what-s-the-big-deal--258465.phtml">Earthbound</a></em>, the game that best defines a side of Nintendo that we don't see enough of these days. Its release on the Wii U virtual console reportedly has seen more sales than its original run on the SNES, which is great, but I still get the feeling that the game is yet to find its full audience.</p>
<p>Sadly, Nintendo is in part to blame for <em>Earthbound</em>'s under exposure. They did make a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.destructoid.com/nintendo-has-listed-earthbound-s-wii-u-release-for-today-258316.phtml">nifty trailer for it a while back</a>, but they've also stayed away from releasing the game's multiple re-issues (Wii VC, DS) and its lone sequel (<em><a href="https://www.destructoid.com/an-rpg-draws-near-mother-3-108611.phtml" target="_blank">Mother 3</a></em>) outside of Japan for years. Many believed this was because the game features samples from <em>The Beach Boys, The Beatles</em>, and the opening theme to <em>Monty Python's Flying Circus</em>.</p>
<p>That explanation never washed with me, as that didn't stop it from being released on the SNES in the first place, or from being rereleased in Japan a bunch of times. The 80s and 90s were a glorious time for sampling without recourse, and<em> Earthbound</em> was just another part of that. Just look at how many times <em><a href="https://www.npr.org/2014/06/27/322721353/why-would-more-than-500-artists-sample-the-same-song" target="_blank">La Di Da Di</a></em> was sampled. If Biggie and Miley can do it, so can Iwata and Itoi.&nbsp;</p>
<p>So this may be old news, but it's fun news that not everyone might know, so here it is. Also, <a href="https://local-static3.forum-files.fobby.net/forum_attachments/0028/6288/earthbound_in_frasier.bmp" target="_blank"><em>Earthbound</em> was on <em>Frasier</em></a>, and you weren't. All the more reason you should want to play it and or read old news about it <em>all day</em>.</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/277313-Earthbeatles.jpg" alt="The Beatles, Beach Boys and Monty Python really were in Earthbound screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=276358Kyle MacGregorhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Kyle+MacGregorNintendo pokes fun at fans, jokes about Mother 32014-06-10T12:50:00Z2014-06-10T12:50:00Z<p>Nintendo draws a lot of criticism for things it both does and doesn't do. Usually the venerable platform holder quietly takes it all on the chin, rather than responding to irate fans and hecklers.</p>
<p>Not today, though. The Nintendo E3 Digital Event began with a stop motion animation featuring Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime, characters from the company's memorable franchises, and an indignant E3 attendee that seemed all too happy to jeer when things didn't go his way.</p>
<p>The spot poked fun at various complaints fans have levied against Nintendo over the years, including: its recent abandonment of traditional E3 press conferences, the litany of<em> Mario</em> games it puts out, and the intense hatred for<em> Wind Waker</em>'s Toon Link.</p>
<p>It was funny. Well, until the acrimonious fan shouted&nbsp;"Come on Reggie, give us<em> Mother 3</em>," and a figurine version of Fils-Aime set him on fire. You know, Nintendo, it's perfectly fine that you didn't localize<em> EarthBound</em>'s sequel. If you didn't think it would be profitable, that's totally cool.</p>
<p>Teasing us about it, though? Ouch. Those wounds haven't fully healed. It's still stings, guys. Hopefully this is a prelude to an announcement for a Wii U or Nintendo 3DS release. A boy can hope.</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/276358-h3.jpg" alt="Nintendo pokes fun at fans, jokes about Mother 3 screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/nintendo-pokes-fun-at-fans-jokes-about-mother-3-276358.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=276097Brittany Vincenthttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Brittany+VincentStay cozy with these Mr. Saturn 'belly warmers' 2014-06-06T19:30:00Z2014-06-06T19:30:00Z<p>Have you ever had a hankering for an official Mr. Saturn belly warmer? I have. It's called "buying a T-shirt with Mr. Saturn on it." The cool thing about that is your shirt doubles as a torso warmer as well. If you buy a long-sleeved shirt, the sleeves work as arm warmers. It's a pretty neat concept.</p>
<p>I guess you could also pick up these strange knit items that these women and men are wearing on their stomachs. Supposedly they're good at regulating body temperature, but I think they'r really good at making you look uncomfortable and as though you're wearing some kind of brace or bandage. In any case, this new line features Mr. Saturn (of <em><a href="https://www.destructoid.com/earthbound-so-what-s-the-big-deal--258465.phtml" target="_blank">EarthBound</a></em> fame) across three different designs for men and women. They're releasing <a href="https://www.1101.com/store/haramaki/2014_summer/index.html" target="_blank">exclusively in Japan</a> for about $38 apiece, but I can't really understand why you'd wear one of these.</p>
<p>On a side note, what's going on with the faces these models are making? They're horrible. They definitely don't sell me on the product at all, either: "Hey, excuse me, miss, can you look completely and utterly confused as to why you're wearing this product, please?"</p>
<p><a href="https://www.gonintendo.com/s/229955-random-time-official-mr-saturn-belly-warmers-coming-to-japan" rel="story-229955">Random Time! - Official Mr. Saturn belly warmers coming to Japan</a>&nbsp;[GoNintendo]</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/276097-modelseb.jpg" alt="Stay cozy with these Mr. Saturn 'belly warmers' screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=273946Brittany Vincenthttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Brittany+VincentTravel to EarthBound, USA in this fanmade documentary2014-04-29T08:00:00Z2014-04-29T08:00:00Z<p>Don't spit out your Cup of Lifenoodles, but there's some interesting <a href="https://www.destructoid.com/products_detail.phtml?p=earthbound&amp;category=&amp;c=news" target="_blank"><em>EarthBound</em></a> news on the horizon. <a href="https://www.fangamer.net/" target="_blank">Fangamer</a> and Jeff Benson, whom you may recognize from <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EarthBound_Saga" target="_blank"><em>EarthBound Saga</em></a> on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_RfpecI10I" target="_blank">YouTube</a>, are collaborating on a movie! Now you can spit them out. <a href="https://earthboundusa.com/" target="_blank"><em>EarthBound, USA</em></a> centers on the re-emergence of <em>EarthBound</em> as a cult hit in the USA, as well as the enthusiasts who support it. After trying to keep the project quiet for sometime, the cat was finally let out of the bag by none other than Shigesato Itoi <a href="https://twitter.com/itoi_shigesato/statuses/448864129084694529" target="_blank">in a tweet</a> where he mentioned an interview by the <em>EarthBound</em> USA team.</p>
<p>The <em>Mother/EarthBound</em> series has traveled down quite the rocky road, especially for US gamers. The first game in the series (<em>Mother</em>) ended up completely localized for a US release as <em>Earth Bound</em> (with a space) and was slated to be released in the fall of 1991. However, due to the new release of the Super Nintendo, Nintendo of America decided against gambling on an NES game and a release for North America was quietly canceled.</p>
<p><em>Mother 2</em>, the game that we know as <em>EarthBound</em> (no space), was plagued by a horrible marketing campaign. In addition, players were skeptical of this quirky, modern RPG. These issues and more prompted mediocre sales for <em>EarthBound</em> in the US.</p>
<p><em>Mother 3</em> (<em>EarthBound 64/EarthBound 2</em>) had an extremely long development cycle that took it from the 64DD, to the 64, and finally to the GBA. Plans were never made to localize this game to the United States, despite outcry from the fans.</p>
<p>All these developments lead to a very interesting and dramatic story. Given the intense love for <em>EarthBound</em> that its fans have as well as the stubborn refusal to recognize them from Nintendo, I think we&rsquo;re in for a real treat as the saga of the <em>EarthBound</em> cult following is told in professional motion picture format for the first time. A Kickstarter should be popping up shortly, with a tentative release date for 2015. Now it's time to go dust off the old cart and play!</p>
<p><a href="https://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=808066" target="_blank">EarthBound, USA Announced: Fan Documentary Featuring Interview with Shigesato Itoi</a> [NeoGAF]<strong><br /></strong></p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/273946-ebnet.jpg" alt="Travel to EarthBound, USA in this fanmade documentary screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=272847Alasdair Duncanhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Alasdair+DuncanThe eBook Video Game Bundle is out now2014-04-04T05:00:00Z2014-04-04T05:00:00Z<p>The previous videogame-themed collection of eBooks from Story Bundle kept me well read for quite some time, so I'm more than ready to <a href="https://storybundle.com/" target="_blank">dip into the new 3.0 bundle</a>.</p>
<p>There's some really eye-catching titles in the bundle, including two books that deal with the rise and fall of Atari and Sega, two of the biggest successes and failures in the videogame business. Also included is <em>How To Do Things With Videogames</em> by noted academic and critic Ian Bogost, a book I've been planning to read for a while now.</p>
<p>The basic, pay-what-you-want bundle also comes with <em>Ghost in the Machine</em>, a collection of videogame short stories and a pair of collected writings on games culture, <em>The Gothic Tower</em>, and <em>Scroll</em>. Pay over the average and you'll get books on <em>EarthBound</em>, <em>Portal 2</em>, and <em>Minecraft</em> (the latter not being available in the UK for some reason). Looks like I've got plenty of quality reading ahead in the downtime between actually playing games.</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/272847-story.jpg" alt="The eBook Video Game Bundle is out now screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=272111Darren Nakamurahttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Darren+NakamuraFan compiles all three Mother games for Wii2014-03-18T13:30:00Z2014-03-18T13:30:00Z<p><object width="620" height="349"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/lLbDkIN-HxY?version=3&amp;hl=en_US&amp;rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/lLbDkIN-HxY?version=3&amp;hl=en_US&amp;rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="349" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></p>
<p><em>EarthBound</em>&nbsp;(<em>Mother 2</em> in Japan) holds a special place in the hearts of many, but despite the clamor for it, Nintendo has never officially released <em>Mother</em> or <em>Mother 3</em> outside of Japan. <em>Mother</em> went through official localization but was put on indefinite hold, and insatiable fans <a href="https://www.destructoid.com/done-and-done-mother-3-fan-translation-is-complete--108131.phtml">translated <em>Mother 3</em>&nbsp;to English themselves</a>, releasing it in 2008 as a ROM hack.</p>
<p>All three English ROMs have been compiled by <em>Mother</em> fan Marcel Oliveira into one file for modded Wiis. In addition, he added a user interface that mimics an <em>EarthBound</em> battle sequence, allowing the user to choose which of the three titles to play by attacking it.</p>
<p>Emulating the unreleased <em>Mother</em> titles has always provided a bit of a moral grey area for many. Of course, downloading ROMs and modifying a Wii to play them come with their own legal and/or financial hazards. Proceed at your own risk.</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/272111-Mother.jpg" alt="Fan compiles all three Mother games for Wii screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=269234Wesley Ruscherhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Wesley+RuscherNintendo doesn't want story of EarthBound published2014-01-19T17:00:00Z2014-01-19T17:00:00Z<p><em><a target="_blank" href="https://www.destructoid.com/earthbound-so-what-s-the-big-deal--258465.phtml">Earthbound</a>&nbsp;</em>stands as one of Nintendo's most beloved cult classics. Known as <em>Mother 2</em> in Japan, the franchise's loan release in North America is still highly regarded for its unique setting and characters, and, above all, one of the genre's most revered localizations.&nbsp;</p>
<p>For <a href="https://www.destructoid.com/nintendo-squashed-earthbound-dev-s-book-plans-and-more-268154.phtml" target="_blank">Marcus Lindblom</a>, the game's localizer,&nbsp;it has become more than just another game in is long career in the industry. Fueled by last year's virtual console release on Wii U, the game has seen a revival of sorts which has in turn has propelled Lindbolm's fame amongst fans.</p>
<p>In an interview with <a target="_blank" href="https://www.polygon.com/2014/1/18/5308416/why-did-nintendo-quash-a-book-about-earthbounds-development">Polygon</a>, Lindblom has shared his recent desire to return the goodwill from <em>Earthbound</em> devotees with a book recounting his experience with the game's development. Unfortunately, Nintendo doesn't want this story shared.&nbsp;</p>
<p><span>"It isn't anything that I can speculate on," he told Polygon. "All I will say is I was the one who went and talked to Nintendo because I thought I might as well see if I can get their blessing. I asked them and they came back and said we'd rather you didn't."</span></p>
<p><span>Respecting the NDA&nbsp;Lindblom signed, he has&nbsp;agreed&nbsp;not to publish the book which he planned to Kickstart to cover the publication costs.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span><span>"My goal was always to honor the game and the fans and Itoi's writing," he said. "I am going to honor Nintendo's wishes that I don't put something down into a book, but I know that the fan community is owed some tidbits of information and I will continue to do that and to talk about it."</span><br /></span></p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/269234-saturns-620x.jpg" alt="Nintendo doesn't want story of EarthBound published screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/nintendo-doesn-t-want-story-of-earthbound-published-269234.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=268842Jonathan Holmeshttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jonathan+HolmesSup Holmes gets dismal with Lisa's Austin Jorgensen2014-01-12T14:00:00Z2014-01-12T14:00:00Z<p>This week on Sup Holmes we welcome Austin Jorgensen to the program. Austin is a professional martial artist and part time hunk, but that hasn't stopped him from setting forth on developing one of the most unhinged role playing games on the modern era. <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/131274701/lisa-the-painful-rpg" target="_blank"><em>Lisa</em> hit Kickstarter</a> late last year with a rocky start, but after catching the fancy of multiple internet publications, it went on to gain over 200% of it's funding. Not bad for a game about cannibal perverts, created by a one-man development team.&nbsp;</p>
<p>We'll be talking to Austin about how <em>Streets of Rage</em> inspired him to become a martial artist, the <a href="https://www.freeindiegam.es/2013/03/lisa-the-first-dingaling/" target="_blank">original, arguably even more nightmarish version of<em> Lisa</em></a>, what <a href="https://www.destructoid.com/the-dismal-jesters-virt-and-buddy-join-the-cast-of-lisa-266645.phtml" target="_blank">Jim Sterling's role in the game will be</a>, his hopes, his dream, and a lot more. Join us at 1pm PST/4pm EST for whole enchilada.&nbsp;</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/268842-lisa.jpg" alt="Sup Holmes gets dismal with Lisa's Austin Jorgensen screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/sup-holmes-gets-dismal-with-lisa-s-austin-jorgensen-268842.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=268154Jonathan Holmeshttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jonathan+HolmesNintendo squashed Earthbound dev's book plans, and more2014-01-05T11:30:00Z2014-01-05T11:30:00Z<p><object width="620" height="376"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/ZCRNNsrvpvA?hl=en_US&amp;version=3&amp;rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/ZCRNNsrvpvA?hl=en_US&amp;version=3&amp;rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="376" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></p>
<p>Last week on Sup Holmes (now on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/sup-holmes/id535572001?mt=2" target="_blank">iTunes</a>), we spent a fast hour and a half with <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/CarriedAwayGame">Marcus Lindblom</a>, localization and translation head on Earthbound. Having gotten his start as a tech adviser and game counselor, he was eventually promoted to work on localization and copy editing, with <em><a href="https://www.destructoid.com/carter-s-quest-2012-every-wario-game-ever-236363.phtml" target="_blank">Wario's Woods</a></em> being one of his first games. From there he moved on to work on <em><a href="https://www.destructoid.com/earthbound-so-what-s-the-big-deal--258465.phtml" target="_blank">Earthbound</a></em> (writing a lot of the jokes, naming items, and creating new objects like the Eraser Eraser when needed), and eventually to other huge franchises like <em>Destroy All Humans</em>, <em>Evil Dead: Regeneration</em>, and... <em>Halo 4</em>? I doubt you saw that one coming.</p>
<p>With over 20 years in the industry, Marcus had a wealth of insights, opinions and anecdotes to share. We talked about his dreams of making a new Mother game with Shigesato Itoi that focuses on reliving the levity and sweetness found in&nbsp;<em>Earthbound, </em>how he's<em> s</em>addened by the the way certain AAA games seem to have a pre-installed review score of 9/10 or above based solely on their budgets and intellectual properties, how he's quite unhappy with a lot of his work on <em>Earthbound</em> and would love to re-write it, his plans for a new Facebook-based RTS, and so much more.</p>
<p>The saddest, most surprising bit for me was when he revealed former plans to write a book about his experiences working on <em>Earthbound</em>, only to have Nintendo ask him not to go forward with the project. With <em>Earthbound</em> finding new success on the Wii U virtual console (reportedly selling more copies on re-release than it did initially on the SNES), I'd think that Nintendo would want to jump on anything that will help keep the game in the headlines and fans feeling passionate and talkative about the game. I suppose this goes right in line with their attitude towards shutting down Lets Players. I know there are plenty of people within the company that are firmly against that kind of thing, though history would prove that they are often overruled.&nbsp;</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/268154-upscale.jpg" alt="Nintendo squashed Earthbound dev's book plans, and more screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=267735Alessandro Fillarihttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Alessandro+FillariFan recreates Earthbound with HD visuals2013-12-18T20:15:00Z2013-12-18T20:15:00Z<p>To say that <em>Earthbound</em>, or <em>Mother</em> as it's referred to in Japan, is a much loved and admired game, is an understatement. From <a target="_blank" href="https://www.destructoid.com/earthbound-bash-celebrates-mother-for-charity-266599.phtml">fans creating charity drives</a>, to organized campaigns to get the game on Nintendo's virtual console -- this quirky and inventive RPG title has stolen the hearts of fans, whose numbers seem to grow with every passing year. Now, one such fan has shown off his love for the series by giving the game a new look for the HD generation.</p>
<p>3D artist Christopher Behr has spent the better part of a year giving <em>Earthbound</em> fans an idea of what a modern day version of the game could look like. Using his skills, he made a recreation of Onett, the hometown for <em>Earthbound/Mother</em>'s main character. This recreation does take some liberties stylistically, but it's close enough to give people an idea of what the retro-quirky style can do with new tech. I don't know about you, but this is making me yearn for another playthrough of <em>Earthbound</em>. These images make me wish for Nintendo to give the series another chance. If anything, the passion from fans over the years show that it's deserving of another shot.</p>
<p>For links to full sized versions of his work, check out the artist's website.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.christopherbehr.com/Onett">Onett</a> [Christopher Behr]</p>
<p><input id="mac_address" type="hidden" /></p>
<p><input id="mac_address" type="hidden" /></p>
<p><input id="mac_address" type="hidden" /></p>
<p><input id="mac_address" type="hidden" /></p>
<p><input id="mac_address" type="hidden" /></p>
<p><input id="mac_address" type="hidden" /></p>
<p><input id="mac_address" type="hidden" /></p>
<p><input id="mac_address" type="hidden" /></p>
<p><input id="mac_address" type="hidden" /></p>
<p><input id="mac_address" type="hidden" /></p>
<p><input id="mac_address" type="hidden" /></p>
<p><input id="mac_address" type="hidden" /></p>
<p><input id="mac_address" type="hidden" /></p>
<p><input id="mac_address" type="hidden" /></p>
<p><input id="mac_address" type="hidden" /></p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/267735-onett4.jpg" alt="Fan recreates Earthbound with HD visuals screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/fan-recreates-earthbound-with-hd-visuals-267735.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=266599Jonathan Holmeshttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jonathan+HolmesEarthbound Bash celebrates Mother for charity2013-11-30T11:15:00Z2013-11-30T11:15:00Z<p><object width="620" height="376"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/8KGTggwGHA4?version=3&amp;hl=en_US&amp;rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/8KGTggwGHA4?version=3&amp;hl=en_US&amp;rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="376" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></p>
<p>Ben Bizzle is an <em>Earthbound</em> fan. His friend James Hensiek is also an <em>Earthbound</em> fan. James has been diagnosed with cancer. When Ben found out about his friends diagnosis, he got in touch with <a target="_blank" href="https://www.fangamer.net/">Fangamer/Starman.net</a>, who in turn got in touch with <a href="https://www.destructoid.com/earthbound-director-itoi-reflects-on-what-it-means-to-him-259027.phtml" target="_blank"><em>Earthbound/Mother</em> creator Shigisato Itoi</a>, who signed a copy of <em>Earthbound</em> to be auctioned off to support James through his treatment.&nbsp;</p>
<p>That auction is happening tomorrow as part of the <a target="_blank" href="https://earthboundbash.com/">Earthbound Bash</a>, a weekend-long live stream event celebrating <em>Earthbound</em> and auctioning off Earthbound-related stuff for charity. In addition to the signed <em>Earthbound</em> cartridge for James, there's a variety of other Earthbound collectibles up for sale, with proceeds going towards <a target="_blank" href="https://speakyoursilence.org/">Speak your Silence</a>. There will be plenty of special appearances from members of the <em>Mother/Earthbound</em> fan community, including an live interview with <a target="_blank" href="https://www.destructoid.com/earthbound-s-english-editor-talks-about-his-masterpiece-260730.phtml">Marcus Lindblom, <em>Earthbound</em> translator/localizer/ Pencil Eraser creator</a>. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RR0GY2eYqD8">Anthony Carboni</a> will be conducting the interview, hot off his appearance on the live Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Special.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you're already an <em><a target="_blank" href="https://www.destructoid.com/earthbound-so-what-s-the-big-deal--258465.phtml">Earthbound</a></em> fan, then there's obviously a lot for you to enjoy here. If you're among the many who have never checked out the game, or the hugely creative and supportive community that surrounds it, this is the perfect opportunity to find out more about it.&nbsp;</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/266599-EarthBoundBash.jpg" alt="Earthbound Bash celebrates Mother for charity screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=260730Tony Poncehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Tony+PonceEarthBound's English editor talks about his masterpiece2013-08-24T17:00:00Z2013-08-24T17:00:00Z<p>With <em>EarthBound </em>tearing up the Wii U eShop and finding its way into some gamers' hearts for the very first time, those responsible for breathing life into that world can look back on their handiwork with pride. Series creator Shigesato Itoi <a target="_blank" href="https://www.destructoid.com/earthbound-director-itoi-reflects-on-what-it-means-to-him-259027.phtml">recently shared his piece</a>, and we all thank him for the memories, but English players have someone else to thank as well.</p>
<p>In an <a target="_blank" href="https://kotaku.com/the-man-who-wrote-earthbound-1188669175">interview</a> with Kotaku, localization editor Marcus Lindblom expressed joy that <em>EarthBound </em>has finally become such a beloved cult classic today, considering how reviews around the time of the game's original launch were less than kind. "It was pretty difficult in some ways for those of us that had been involved," he said. "I guess the feeling at that time was -- and this is not a lot different than today -- graphics were a big important component to pushing forward the game industry. And a lot of people looked at <em>EarthBound</em> and considered the graphics to be fairly simplistic."</p>
<p>Lindblom recalled how he originally joined Nintendo as a call center rep, later became a Software Analyst in charge of localizing various games like <em>Wario's Woods</em>, then was left in charge of a new RPG called <em>Mother 2</em>. Another Nintendo writer, Dan Owsen, had finished roughly 10% of the script before he moved on to other projects, leaving the task to Lindblom with some assistance from Japanese writer Masayuki Miura. He spent four months adapting the raw Japanese translation into readable English, working between 14 and 15 hours a day.</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/260730-EarthBoundBox.jpg" alt="EarthBound's English editor talks about his masterpiece screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/earthbound-s-english-editor-talks-about-his-masterpiece-260730.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=259027Darren Nakamurahttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Darren+NakamuraEarthBound director Itoi reflects on what it means to him2013-07-30T11:30:00Z2013-07-30T11:30:00Z<p>The nearly twenty-year-old cult classic <em>EarthBound</em> <a href="https://www.destructoid.com/earthbound-so-what-s-the-big-deal--258465.phtml">means a lot of different things</a> to a lot of different people. On <a href="https://earthbound.nintendo.com/message/" target="_blank"><em>EarthBound</em>'s official page</a>, series creator Shigesato Itoi reflects on what the game means to him after all this time.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><span>All sorts of people tell me about their memories,&nbsp;</span><br /><span>about all the things I left in the playground called Earthbound.&nbsp;</span><br /><span>From the tiny safety pins, broken pieces of colored glass to the withering leaves.&nbsp;</span><br /><span>When I ask them, &ldquo;how do you remember so much?&rdquo;</span><br /><span>With their eyes gleaming, they say,&nbsp;</span><br /><span>&ldquo;I love that world so much I remember everything about it.&rdquo;&nbsp;</span><br /><span>I reply right away saying &ldquo;me too.&rdquo;</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><span>He goes on to discuss life and death, including how he would like to be remembered after he dies. Itoi suggests that fame, fortune, accolades, and accomplishments are meaningless compared to sincere stories told, and he suggests that <em>EarthBound</em> holds to that ideal.</span></p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/259027-earthbound-png.jpg" alt="EarthBound director Itoi reflects on what it means to him screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=258568Jonathan Holmeshttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jonathan+HolmesNintendo comments on EarthBound's pricing2013-07-22T23:00:00Z2013-07-22T23:00:00Z<p>[<a href="https://magicalgametime.com/" target="_blank">Art by</a> <a href="https://zacgorman.com/" target="_blank">Zac Gorman</a>]</p>
<p>The cult classic SNES game <em>EarthBound</em> was released on the <a href="https://www.destructoid.com/nintendo-has-listed-earthbound-s-wii-u-release-for-today-258316.phtml" target="_blank">Wii U Virtual Console last week for $10</a>. That's $2 more than most SNES Virtual Consoles games cost. A couple days later, we posted a feature on <a href="https://www.destructoid.com/earthbound-so-what-s-the-big-deal--258465.phtml" target="_blank">what makes the game so special</a>. The comments exploded with debate about how games should be sold, what they're worth, and what consumers should do with their time and money.&nbsp;</p>
<p>One question still left unanswered was exactly why Nintendo priced the game the way that they did. We didn't get a detailed answer, but we did learn that "<span>As for&nbsp;</span><i>EarthBound</i><span>, Nintendo sets prices in the Nintendo eShop and Virtual Console on a game-by-game basis. Different games will be offered at different prices." That makes sense, given the flexibility that Nintendo has shown with Wii U/3DS eShop pricing so far, allowing for sales and mark downs at any time, but it's good to get the official word on that. From there the Nintendo&nbsp;representative&nbsp;went on to add that they "...read [the]&nbsp;<span>piece this weekend and really liked it. I love&nbsp;</span><i>EarthBound</i><span>&nbsp;so much, and you did a great job of explaining that appeal." Thanks Nintendo! You're pretty nice.</span></span></p>
<p><span><span>So the exact reasons why </span></span><em>EarthBound</em><span><span> costs $10 remain a mystery, but the game is currently #2 on the Wii U Virtual Console sales chart (right under <em>Donkey Kong</em>, currently on sale for $.30), so it looks like they may have known what they were doing.</span></span></p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/258568-Zack.jpg" alt="Nintendo comments on EarthBound's pricing screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/nintendo-comments-on-earthbound-s-pricing-258568.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=258465Jonathan Holmeshttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jonathan+HolmesEarthBound: So what's the big deal?2013-07-20T15:30:00Z2013-07-20T15:30:00Z<p>[Image by <a target="_blank" href="https://www.wallpapervortex.com/wallpaper-26137_earthbound.html">Anonymous</a>]</p>
<p><em>EarthBound</em> was re-released on the Wii U Virtual Consoles this week, with off-TV play and online access to the packed-in strategy guide from the game's original 1995 release on the SNES. Many fans of the game were overjoyed, while many more took one look and said, "You want me to pay $10 for this?!?" They may have grown to love Ness from his appearances in <em>Smash Bros.</em>, heard about the game's influence on the creators of <a href="https://www.destructoid.com/south-park-the-stick-of-truth-inspired-by-earthbound-258381.phtml" target="_blank"><em>South Park</em></a>, seen the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.fangamer.net/">amazing merch from Fangamer</a>, or read one of the many <a target="_blank" href="https://www.largeprimenumbers.com/article.php?sid=mother2">brilliant essays on the subject</a>, but when confronted with the actual opportunity to buy the game, they were left cold.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The sad fact is, <em>EarthBound</em> isn't any more marketable today than when it initially failed to meet sales expectations back in the '90s. Though Nintendo was wise enough to avoid telling the world that the game "stinks" and is "garbage" this time around, the underlying barriers between <em>EarthBound</em> and the mass market remain the same. It's very hard to see from a distance what makes the game so great.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Here's my best attempt to give you an up close look at why this game means so much to so many.</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/258465-Header.jpg" alt="EarthBound: So what's the big deal? screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/earthbound-so-what-s-the-big-deal--258465.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=258438Tara Longhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Tara+LongThe DTOID Show: Seaman, Strider, & Adam Sessler!2013-07-19T19:15:00Z2013-07-19T19:15:00Z<p><iframe width="620" height="349" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/xg0X1QwNo_E" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>Howdy, folks! Max is off in Hawaii&nbsp;being attacked by giant birds&nbsp;this week, so I got television's Adam Sessler to take his place on today's show. For the record, his hosting skills are impeccable but his drawings could use some improvement.</p>
<p>Today's topics of discussion include Capcom's new <em><a target="_blank" href="https://www.destructoid.com/you-asked-for-it-capcom-announces-new-strider-258347.phtml">Strider</a></em> game, <em><a target="_blank" href="https://www.destructoid.com/nintendo-has-listed-earthbound-s-wii-u-release-for-today-258316.phtml">EarthBound</a></em>'s release on&nbsp;the Wii U, and Nintendo's mysterious trademark for what could be a new <em><a target="_blank" href="https://www.destructoid.com/nintendo-trademarks-might-point-to-the-return-of-seaman-258279.phtml">Seaman</a></em> game. We also talk about OUYA's latest <a target="_blank" href="https://www.destructoid.com/ouya-launching-a-kickstarter-matcher-to-get-games-made-258303.phtml">Kickstarter</a> efforts, and all the bonus content Ubisoft has been adding to <em><a target="_blank" href="https://www.destructoid.com/wii-u-delay-brought-way-more-content-to-rayman-legends-258241.phtml">Rayman Legends</a></em>.</p>
<p>Suffice it to say, September 3 cannot come fast enough!</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/258438-HEADER.jpg" alt="The DTOID Show: Seaman, Strider, & Adam Sessler! screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=258327Chris Carterhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Chris+CarterNintendo debuts two mini-Directs today2013-07-18T12:45:00Z2013-07-18T12:45:00Z<p><iframe width="620" height="350" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/nLWBcd43RTo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>Today, Nintendo dropped a pair of stealthy mini-Direct presentations that mostly went over information we already knew. Specifically, both videos address the success of <em>Animal Crossing</em>, and talk a bit about <em>Pikmin 3</em> and <em>Wonderful 101</em>.</p>
<p>The US Direct (featured above) demos the new 3DS Streetpass DLC, and talks more about upcoming Wii U games (exclusive or otherwise), including <a target="_blank" href="https://www.destructoid.com/ul/258327-nintendo-debuts-two-mini-directs-today/W1-620x.jpg">these two</a> lists <a target="_blank" href="https://www.destructoid.com/ul/258327-nintendo-debuts-two-mini-directs-today/W2-620x.jpg">right here</a>, <em>Cloudberry Kingdom</em>, and<em> DuckTales Remastered</em>.</p>
<p>Besides <a target="_blank" href="https://www.destructoid.com/nintendo-has-listed-earthbound-s-wii-u-release-for-today-258316.phtml"><em>EarthBound</em></a>, the only real announcements are the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.destructoid.com/here-s-how-the-3ds-streetpass-enhancement-will-work-258325.phtml">StreetPass enhancement news</a>, and the fact that you have the opportunity to play <em>Pikmin 3</em> a day early if you reserve a digital copy at GameStop. So that's a thing, while Europeans can get 30% off <em>The Wonderful 101</em> by buying <em>Pikmin 3</em> digitally.</p>
<p>Also, Nintendo's Bill Trinen lovingly ate some fruit -- I think <a target="_blank" href="https://www.destructoid.com/bananas-win-e3-228817.phtml">I see a theme here</a>.</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/258327-DS1.jpg" alt="Nintendo debuts two mini-Directs today screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/nintendo-debuts-two-mini-directs-today-258327.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=258316Chris Carterhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Chris+CarterNintendo has listed EarthBound's Wii U release for today2013-07-18T09:45:00Z2013-07-18T09:45:00Z<p><iframe width="620" height="349" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/yuzhFCkh5wk?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>[<b>Update:</b> Nintendo has confirmed today's release date and the $9.99 price point. You can find <a href="https://earthbound.nintendo.com/playersguide/" target="_blank">the official Player's Guide here</a>, and the trailer above.]</p>
<p>In a bizarre turn of events, Nintendo may be gearing up to release <em>EarthBound</em> on the Wii U Virtual Console <strong>today</strong> for $9.99. Thanks to a listing <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/82s5n1dbV4gstayVNhVYtOneSXTIXACS">spotted on Nintendo's official website</a>, it appears as if the game will be dropping in multiple regions.</p>
<p>Why Nintendo would release the game with zero fanfare is unknown, but stand by for official word from the Big N anytime now, as I prepare today's issue of Nintendo Download.</p>
<p>Either way, I'm officially freaking out.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/82s5n1dbV4gstayVNhVYtOneSXTIXACS">EarthBound</a> [Nintendo]</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/258316-EB1.jpg" alt="Nintendo has listed EarthBound's Wii U release for today screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=254490Tony Poncehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Tony+PonceToo cute! Mega Man, Mr. Saturn, and Samus crotchet dolls2013-05-24T22:00:00Z2013-05-24T22:00:00Z<p>D'AAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWW!!!</p>
<p>Etsy member Sam Wilding loves making pixel art. Sometimes, his partner in crime Natasha will take Sam's pixel art and transform them into "amigurumi," crotchet dolls whose sole purpose is to sit there and look adorable.</p>
<p>On their PixelBlock shop, you'll find dolls of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/151854182/mega-man-mini-amigurumi-plush-w-free">Mega Man</a>, <em>EarthBound</em>'s <a target="_blank" href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/150635949/mr-saturn-mini-amigurumi-plush-w-free">Mr. Saturn</a>, and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/115705813/samus-aran-metroid-mini-amigurumi-plush">Samus Aran</a>, waiting to come home with you and gently nuzzle your neck. Mega is $23, Mr. Saturn is $13, and Samus is $20, but only a small handful remain. If you want to welcome these little tykes into your life, do so soon.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/PixelBlock">PixelBlock shop</a> [Etsy via <a target="_blank" href="https://www.tomopop.com/cuddle-up-with-this-mega-man-amigurumi-30532.phtml">Tomopop</a>]</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/254490-PixelBlock.jpg" alt="Too cute! Mega Man, Mr. Saturn, and Samus crotchet dolls screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/too-cute-mega-man-mr-saturn-and-samus-crotchet-dolls-254490.phtml">Read more...</a>